Heterocyclic radical or diradical, the dimers, oligomers, polymers, dispiro compounds and polycycles thereof, the use thereof, organic semiconductive material and electronic or optoelectronic component

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to heterocyclic radicals or diradicals, the dimers, oligomers, polymers, dispiro compounds and polycycles thereof, to the use thereof, to organic semiconductive materials and to electronic and optoelectronic components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/688,777, now U.S. Patent No. 8,134,146,filed Mar. 20, 2007,which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 06005687.6,filed Mar. 21, 2006.The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/688,777 and European Patent Application No. 06005687.6 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to heterocyclic radicals or diradicals, the dimers, oligomers, polymers, dispiro compounds and polycycles thereof, to the use thereof, to organic semiconductive materials and to electronic components.

BACKGROUND

It is known to modify the electrical properties of organic semiconductors, in particular their electrical conductivity, by means of doping, as is the case also in respect of inorganic semiconductors, such as silicon semiconductors. Here, the conductivity, which is initially very low, is increased by generating charge carriers in the matrix material, and depending on the type of dopant used a change in the Fermi level of the semiconductor may also be achieved. Doping in this case leads to an increase in the conductivity of charge transport layers, as a result of which ohmic losses are reduced, and to an improved transfer of the charge carriers between the contacts and the organic layer.

The inorganic dopants used to date, such as alkali or alkaline earth metals (e.g. caesium) or Lewis acids (e.g. FeCl₃), are usually disadvantageous in the case of organic matrix materials on account of their high diffusion coefficient, since the function and stability of the electronic components is impaired. These inorganic dopants are also associated with difficulties in production, since they usually have a high vapour pressure at room temperature and may contaminate the production systems in vacuum processes. Alkali and alkaline earth metals in particular have the further disadvantage that use thereof is made more difficult on account of their high reactivity to air. It is also known to release dopants in the semiconductive matrix material via chemical reactions, in order to provide dopants. However, the oxidation potential of the dopants released in this way is often not sufficient for various applications, such as in particular for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Moreover, when the dopants are released, further compounds and/or atoms are also generated, for example atomic hydrogen, as a result of which the properties of the doped layer and of the corresponding electronic component are impaired.

Furthermore, compounds used as dopants often do not have a sufficiently low ionisation potential for the respective application.

The object of the present invention is to provide novel compounds which can he used as n-dopants, as an injection layer or as a blocking layer, wherein the compounds also have sufficiently low oxidation potentials for producing electron transport materials for organic light-emitting diodes, without having any disruptive effect on the matrix material, and are intended to provide an effective increase in the number of charge carriers in the matrix material and are relatively easy to handle.

Further objects of the present invention consist in specifying possible uses of these compounds, in providing organic semiconductive materials and an electronic component or optoelectronic component in which the compounds can be used, e.g. in photoinitiated memories.

BRIEF SUMMARY

These objects and others are achieved by heterocyclic radicals or diradicals, the dimers, oligomers, polymers, dispiro compounds and polycycles thereof, having structures according to the following formulae:

wherein structures 3 and 4 have one or more cyclic linkages A and/or A₁ and/or A₂, wherein A, A₁ and A₂ may be carbocyclic, heterocyclic and/or polycyclic ring systems, which may be substituted or unsubstituted;

wherein A₁ and A₂ may be present individually or together and A₁ and A₂ are as defined for structures 3 and 4 and T=CR₂₂, CR₂₂R₂₃, N, NR₂₁, O or S;

wherein structure 7 has one or more bridge bonds Z and/or Z₁ and/or Z₂, and Z, Z₁ and Z₂ may independently be selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, sililyl; alkylsililyl, diazo, disulphide, heterocycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, piperazinyl, dialkyl ether, polyether, primary alkylamine, arylamine and polyamine, aryl and heteroaryl;

wherein in structures 8a-8c the ring size of each heterocycle may vary from 5-7 atoms;

wherein X, Y═O, S, N, NR₂₁, P or PR₂₁; R₀₋₁₉, R₂₁, R₂₂ and R₂₃ are independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, diarylamine, diheteroarylamine, dialkylamine, heteroarylalkylamine, arylalkylamine, H, F cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, trialkylsilyl, triarylsilyl, halogen, styryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, sililyl and trialkylsilylalkynyl, or R₀₋₁₉, R₂₁, R₂₂ and R₂₃, alone or in combination, form part of a (hetero)aliphatic or (hetero)aromatic ring system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

More preferably are compounds having the following structure:

R₀, R₁-R₁₂ in structures 5e-5o and 3h can be chosen from the definition for the R's given in claim 1.

Further, structure 5c is preferred with R₁-R₁₆═H or R₁, R₄-R₁₆═H and R₂, R₃═CH₃. Additionally a particularly preferred compound is based on structure 1a with Y═NR₂₁ with R₂₁=alkyl, preferably methyl; with R₀, R₂₁=alkyl, preferably methyl; R₁, R₂=aryl, especially phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, anisyl, thienyl, furanyl, alkyl, especially cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, n-alkyl; or mixed variations with R₁=alkyl, especially methyl, ethyl, propyl, and R₂=aryl, especially phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, anisyl, thienyl, furanyl.

Within the context of the present invention, the term “dimers” is understood to mean compounds which occur by reacting two monoradicals or diradicals with each other.

The term “oligomers” is understood to mean compounds which are composed of a plurality of diradicals, wherein a first radical end of a diradical reacts with a first end of a further diradical and a second end of the newly formed, larger diradical in turn reacts with a second further diradical. The ends of such oligomers can be reacted with monoradicals. The term “polymer” is understood to mean compounds which, compared to oligomers, are composed of a larger number of diradicals.

A “dispiro compound” is according to the present invention an intramolecular addition product of a diradical, the radical centers of which are separated by a structural element of that kind, that said structural element connects the radical bearing carbon atoms, i.e. the carbon atoms which add to each other.

The term “polycycle” is meant to comprise an intramolecular addition product of a diradical, the radical centers of which are separated by a structural element of that kind that said structural element connects at least one other carbon atom than the ones bearing radicals (e.g. at least one atom in alpha position).

The radicals R₀₋₁₉, R₂₁, R₂₂ and R₂₃ may preferably be substituted aryl, wherein the substituents are preferably electron-donating radicals, for example dialkylamine, julolidyl, diarylamine, alkylarylamino, diheterocyclylamine, diheteroalkylamine, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylmercaptyl, arylmercaptyl, alkyl, sililyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, trialkylsililylalkynyl or styryl.

All the claimed compounds may be perfluorinated or partially perfluorinated, in particular saturated bridges and handles.

It has surprisingly been found that a much stronger and/or more stable dopant than is the case with previously known donor compounds is obtained if free radicals and diradicals, the dimers, oligomers, dispiro compounds or polycycles thereof are used in neutral form as an n-dopant for an organic semiconductive matrix material. In particular, when using the compounds according to the invention as an n-dopant, the conductivity of charge transport layers can be significantly increased and/or the transfer of the charge carriers between the contacts and the organic layer can be significantly improved in applications as an electronic component. The compounds according to the invention themselves can also be used as transport materials. The concentration ratios during the vapour deposition process to produce the organic semiconductive material can therefore be 10:1 for example between the radical (or dimer) and conventional matrix materials.

Without being restricted thereby, it is assumed that when, according to the invention, the disclosed heterocyclic compounds are used in a doped layer, the cations associated with the respective heterocyclic radicals and diradicals are formed, in particular by the transfer of at least one electron from the respective heterocyclic radical or diradical, its dimer, oligomer, dispiro compound or polycycle, to the surrounding matrix material. In the process, anions of the matrix material are also formed, which can move on the matrix material. In this way, the matrix material obtains a conductivity which is increased in comparison to the conductivity of the undoped matrix material. Conductivities of undoped matrix materials are generally <10⁻⁸ S/cm, in particular often <10⁻¹⁰ S/cm. It should be ensured that the matrix materials have a sufficiently high purity. Such purities can be achieved using conventional methods, for example gradient sublimation. By doping, the conductivity of such matrix materials can be increased to more than 10⁻⁸ S/cm, often >10⁻⁶ S/cm. This applies in particular to matrix materials which have a reduction potential of less than −1 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺, preferably less than −1.7 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺, in particular less than −2.1 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺. The notation Fc/Fc⁺ relates to the redox pair ferrocene/ferrocenium, which is used as reference in an electrochemical potential determination, for example cyclic voltammetry.

In the present application, a dopant is understood to mean on the one hand a material which is mixed in (“the layer is doped with the dopant”). On the other hand, the dopant may be the redox-active species which brings about charge transfer conductivity (“the dopant brings about n-doping”). It is assumed that the dimers, etc. are dopants of the first type, whereas the corresponding radicals are dopants of the second type.

It has also been found according to the invention that the heterocyclic radicals or diradicals and the derivatives thereof can be used as an injection layer in electronic components, preferably between an electrode and a semiconductor layer, which may also be doped, or also as a blocking layer, preferably between an emitter layer and a transport layer, or as a semiconductor layer in electronic components. It has furthermore been found that a photo-induced or light-induced irreversible doping of organic semiconductors is possible by means of the compounds according to the invention, in particular the generation of said radicals and diradicals by cleaving their dimers or oligomers or dispiro compounds by means of electromagnetic radiation and subsequent irreversible doping of n-conductive semiconductors.

It is also conceivable to use the compounds according to the invention as radical scavengers or antioxidants in food chemistry, pharmacy, in fire-fighting or as pesticides, in particular as an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide or the like. The use as radical initiators for radical reactions (preferably radically induced polymerisations or living radical polymerisations) is also conceivable. Finally, it should he mentioned that triplet diradicals can also be used as a magnetic compound in the form of memory or switch structures in organic electronic and optoelectronic components.

Coming back to the preferred use of the inventive heterocyclic radicals, diradicals and derivatives thereof as a dopant, the doping may take place in a light-induced manner for example by means of the following three mechanisms:

-   -   1 . The dimer/oligomer/polymer/dispiro compound or polycycle         itself absorbs electromagnetic radiation of suitable wavelength         and is thereby cleaved into the doping radicals or diradicals.         An electron is transferred from the HOMO of the         radical/diradical to the LUMO of the matrix material.     -   2 . The matrix material is excited by exposure to         electromagnetic radiation, so that an electron from the HOMO of         the dopant (dimer/oligomer/polymer/dispiro compound/polycycle)         is transferred to the former HOMO, which is now single-occupied.         The dopant then undergoes an irreversible reaction.     -   3 . The dopant (dimer/oligomer/polymer/dispiro         compound/polycycle) is excited photochemically, then an electron         transfer takes place from the single-occupied LUMO of the dopant         to the LUMO of the matrix material. The dopant then undergoes an         irreversible reaction.

However, it is also possible for various mechanisms to occur at the same time, and finally the electron transfer may be brought about by means of a different mechanism not mentioned here, for example by means of thermal splitting of the bond. Once the electromagnetic radiation, source has been switched off, however, all or part of the conductivity is irreversibly and permanently retained.

Further objects and advantages of the compounds according to the invention will now be described on the basis of the following examples, which must be considered only by way of illustration and are no way intended to restrict the scope of the invention.

The dopants according to the invention have a surprisingly high stability with regard to their reactivity with the atmosphere.

Synthesis Methods

The radicals, diradicals and derivatives thereof according to the invention can he synthesised by known methods. It will be understood that the cited literature is mentioned only by way of example.

A complete way of obtaining the radicals/diradicals is shown schematically for all the stated compounds using the example of the benzimidazoles.

Benzimidazoles c can inter alia be easily synthesised from o-phenylenediamine a and appropriate carboxylic acid derivatives (M. R. DeLuca, S. M. Kerwin Tetrahedron 1997, 53 457-64) or aldehydes (M. Curini et al. Synlett 2004, 10, 1832-4). See also: M. R. Grimmett “Imidazole and Benzimidazole Synthesis” Academic Press; Harcourt Brace & Company, Publishers, London, San Diego, New York, Boston. o-Phenylenediamines are commercially available or can be obtained for example by the method of Suschitsky et al. (J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Comm. 1977, 189-90). Benzothia derivatives or oxazole derivatives can be obtained in the same way via o-mercapto- or o-hydroxyanilines. The alkylation of the N-atom(s) in the heterocyclic five-membered rings c takes place with dimethyl sulphate or diethyl sulphate in the presence of bases (H. Quasi, E. Schmitt Chem. Ber. 1968, 101, 4012-14) or with alkyl halides. The corresponding cationic products (heteroarenium compounds) d can be isolated in neutral form e.g. as perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate, halide, tetraphenylborate or hexafluorophosphate or with other suitable counterions.

Said radicals can be prepared chemically by means of alkali metals or electrochemically or photochemically from the corresponding heteroaromatic cations by reduction (T. Muramatsu et al. Chemistry Letters 1996, 151-2; Pragst et al. J. Electroanal. Chem. 1984, 180, 141-56, J. Heinze, H. Baumgärtel, Ber. Bunsenges. 1972 76/2 94).

However, the radically usually quickly react further to form dimers f, oligomers, polymers, dispiro compounds i or polycycles (tricycles) l. The fact that radicals actually occur as intermediate stages can be detected by means of ESR spectroscopy.

Bis-[3-methyl-2-alkyl-1,2-dihydrobenzothiazolyl-(2)] and bis-[3-methyl-2-aryl-1,2-dihydrobenzothiazolyl-(2)] compounds can be obtained directly via benzothiazolium salts and suitable Grignard compounds/A. Kinya; S. Hiroaki; I. Naoki; Bull. Chem. Soc. Japan 1979 52/1, 156-9.

Dispiro compounds i can be formed from 2,2′-bridged benzimidazoles.

Obtaining the N-Substituted Heteroaromatic Cations

EXAMPLE 1 2-Methylmercapto-1,3-dimethylbenzimidazolium perchlorate

Suspend 0.1 mol of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole in 70 ml of water. Add 0.3 mol of NaHCO₃ and 0.5 mol of dimethyl sulphate and stir Overnight at room temperature. 12 ml of 50% tetrafluoroboric acid are added dropwise to the clear solution, which is cooled and the precipitate is removed by suction and recrystallized from 1,2-dichlorethane.

Fp.=160-3° C.

EXAMPLE 2 2-Piperidyl-1,3-dimethylbenzimidazolium perchlorate

Heat 0.01 mol of 2-methylmercapto-1,3-dimethylbenzimidazolium perchlorate with 0.01 mol of piperidine for 4th at reflux in 250 ml of dioxane. Remove the solids by suction and recrystallise from ethanol.

Fp. 179° C.

EXAMPLE 3 2-Dimethylaminobenzimidazolium chloride

Stir 0.05 mol of o-phenylenediaminium dichloride and 0,05 mol of dichloromethylene-N,N-dimethylimmonium chloride in 100 ml of dioxane at room temperature for 12 h. Then heat at reflux for 2.5-3 h, remove the solids by suction and wash with ether. Recrystallise from ethanol.

Fp. 293° C.

EXAMPLE 4 1,4-Bis-1′,1″,3′,3″-tetramethylbenzimidazolium-2′,2″-butane

Suspend 0.01 mol of 1,4-bisbenzimidazolyl-2′,2″-butane in 30 ml of a mixture consisting of 50% water and 50% glycol monomethyl ether, add 0.06 mol of sodium hydrogen carbonate and 0.05 mol dimethyl sulphate and stir overnight at room temperature. Then filter and precipitate with 10 ml of concentrated perchloric acid.

EXAMPLE 5 2,3,5,6-Tetrahydro-1H,4H-3a,10b-diaza-6a-azoniafluoranthene

Heat 0.1 mol of 2-aminobenzimidazole with 0.2 mol of 1,3-dibromopropane and 0.3 mol of KCO₃ in 250 ml of DMF for 8 h at 120° C. Remove the solids by suction and fully concentrate the solvent and take up in methanol and then add 70% perchloric acid. Wash the precipitated white crystals with methanol, water and again with methanol.

Fp.: 242° C.

EXAMPLE 6 2-Isopropyl-1,3-dimethylimidazolium perchlorate

Suspend 0.1 mol of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole in 70 ml of water. Add 0.3 mol of NaHCO3 and 0.5 mol of dimethyl sulphate and stir overnight at room temperature. 10 ml of 70% perchloric acid are added dropwise to the clear solution, which is cooled and the precipitate is removed by suction and recrystallized from ethanol.

Fp.=346° C.

EXAMPLE 7 Bis-(N,N′,2,2′-tetramethyl-1H-benzimidazolylium)-1,3-propane diiodide

Suspend 0.02 mol of NaH under argon in 20 ml of dimethoxyethane and add 0.02 mol of 2-methylbenzimidazole under ice cooling. Once evolution of gases is complete, continue stirring for a further 60 min at room temperature and add dropwise 0.01 mol of 1,3-dibromopropane and stir for 10 min. Heat the reaction mixture at 60° C. on the water bath for 4.5 h, stir overnight at room temperature and pour onto ice/water. Remove the precipitated raw product by suction and dry in vacuo. Place 0.005 mol of this intermediate product in 30 ml of water, add 0.015 mol of NaHCO₃ and 0.015 mol of dimethyl sulphate, stir overnight and precipitate with 1-2 ml of concentrated hydriodic acid.

Fp.: decomp.>306° C.

EXAMPLE 8 1,2,3,5,6,7-Hexamethylbenzo-1,7-dihydrobenzo[1,2-d,4,5-d′]diimidazolium diperchlorate

Suspend 0.013 mol of 2,6-dimethylbenzo-1,7-dihydrobenzo[1,2-d,4,5-d′]diimidazole in approx, 40-50 ml of water and add 0.078 mol of NaHCO₃ and 0,064 mol of dimethyl sulphate. Stir for 12 h at room temperature and add dropwise 4-5 ml of 70% perchloric acid. Remove the white precipitate by suction and wash with ethanol, water and again with ethanol.

Fp.: >350° C.

Obtaining the Radicals, Diradicals and the Dimers or Oligomers and also Dispiro Compounds or Polycycles Thereof

EXAMPLE a Bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-N-piperidinyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)]

Heat at reflux 0.01 mol of 2-N-piperidinyl-1,3-dimethylbenzimidazolium tetrafluoroborate with potassium in THF, filter, concentrate and cool. Remove the precipitated crystals by suction and wash with cold acetonitrile.

Fp.: 195° C.

EXAMPLE b Bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)]

Dissolve 1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropylbenzimidazolium perchlorate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate in acetonitrile and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.3 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 146° C.

EXAMPLE c Bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-N-pyrrolidyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)]

Dissolve 1,3-dimethyl-2-N-pyrrolidylbenzimidazolium perchlorate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate/DMF and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.3 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 120° C.

EXAMPLE d Bis-[1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)]

Heat at reflux 0.01 mol of 1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2-isopropylbenzimidazolium tetrafluoroborate with potassium in THF, filter, concentrate and cool. Remove the precipitated crystals by suction and wash with cold acetonitrile.

or

Dissolve 1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2-isopropylbenzimidazolium perchlorate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate/DMF and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.3 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 129-30° C.

EXAMPLE e 2-Isopropyl-1,3-dimethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-5,8-dioxa-1,3-diazacyclopenta[b]naphthene

Dissolve 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate/acetonitrile and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.4 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 142° C.

EXAMPLE f 1,2,3,5,6,7-Hexamethylbenzo-1,7-dihydrobenzo[1,2-d,4,5-d′]diimidazolyl-(2)oligomeric diradical

Dissolve 0.01 mol of 1,2,3,5,6,7-hexamethylbenzo-1,7-dihydrobenzo[1,2-d,4,5-d′]-diimidazolium diperchlorate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate/DMF and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.3 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: >250° C.

EXAMPLE g Bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)]

Dissolve 1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate in DMF and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.6 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 127-9° C.

EXAMPLE h Bis-[4,5-diphenyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydroimidazolyl-(2)]

Dissolve 4,5-diphenyl-2-isopropylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate in DMF and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.45 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 160-3° C.

EXAMPLE i Bis-[3-benzyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydrobenzothiazolyl-(2)]

Dissolve 3-benzyl-2-isopropylbenzothiazolium perchlorate in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate in acetonitrile and precipitate in a three-chamber electrolysis cell at −2.3 V using a mercury electrode. The white precipitate is removed by suction, washed with acetonitrile and dried in vacuo.

Fp.: 146° C.

Doping

Matrix Materials

As n-dopable matrix materials, use may be made inter alia of quinolinato complexes, for example of aluminium or of other main group metals, wherein the quinolinato ligand may also be substituted. In particular, the matrix material may be tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium. Other aluminium complexes with O and/or N donor atoms may also optionally be used. Common matrix materials are also zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) or zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP), to name just a few examples of phthalocyanine or porphyrin complexes.

The quinolinato complexes may contain for example one, two or three quinolinato ligands, wherein the other ligands preferably complex with O and/or N donor atoms to the central atom, such as the above Al complex for example.

As the matrix material, it is also possible to use phenanthrolines, which may be substituted or unsubstituted, in particular aryl-substituted, for example phenyl- or naphthyl-substituted. In particular, Bphen can be used as matrix material.

As the matrix material, it is also possible to use heteroatoms, such as in particular triazoles, possibly also pyrroles, imidazoles, triazoles, pyridines, pyrimidines, pyridazines, quinoxalines, pyrazino-quinoxalines and the like. The heteroatoms are preferably substituted, in particular aryl-substituted, for example phenyl- or naphthyl-substituted. In particular, the following triazole can be used as matrix material. Further matrix materials can be found for example in A. P. Kulkami et al., Chem. Mater. 16, 4556ff. (2004).

The matrix material used preferably consists entirely of a metallophthalocyanine complex, in particular ZnPc, a porphyrin complex, or a Buckminsterfullerene, in particular Fullerene C60.

It will be understood that, within the context of the invention, said matrix materials can also be used in a mixture with one another or with other materials. It will be understood that it is also possible to use suitable other organic matrix materials which have semiconductive properties.

Doping Method

During the doping process, the polymeric, oligomeric or dimeric compounds or dispiro compounds decompose as a result of ring opening to give the actual doping radicals. The decomposition of the polymers, oligomers and dimers and dispiro compounds may also proceed in a light-induced manner before, during or after the production of the mixed layer, and therefore exposure of the semiconductor layer to electromagnetic radiation, preferably to ultraviolet and/or visible light, advantageously takes place before, during or after the mixed vapour deposition (mixture consisting of dopant and matrix). Furthermore, exposure to heat during the vapour deposition may give rise to cleavage of the polymers, oligomers and dimers or dispiro compounds into radicals with doping properties. It may also be advantageous for some applications to heat the mixed layer during or after production.

The doping of the respective matrix material with the compounds according to the invention may be carried out by one or a combination of the following methods:

-   -   a) Mixed vapour deposition in vacuo with one source for the         matrix material and one for the dopant.     -   b) Sequential deposition of the matrix material and of the         n-dopant onto a substrate with subsequent inward diffusion of         the dopant, in particular by means of a heat treatment.     -   c) Doping of a matrix layer with a solution of n-dopant,         followed by evaporation of the solvent, in particular by means         of a heat treatment.     -   d) Surface-doping of a matrix material layer by means of a layer         of dopant applied to the surface.     -   e) Preparation of a solution of matrix molecules and dopant and         subsequent production of a layer consisting of this solution by         means of conventional methods such as evaporation of the solvent         or spin coating.

The doping may also take place in such a way that the dopant is evaporated out of a precursor compound, which releases the dopant when heated and/or exposed to radiation. As the precursor compound, it is possible to use for example a carbonyl compound, dinitrogen compound or the like which gives off CO, nitrogen or the like when releasing the dopant, wherein it is also possible to use other suitable precursors, such as salts, e.g. halides, hydrogenated compounds or the like. The exposure to radiation may take place by means of electromagnetic radiation, in particular visible light, UV light or IR light, for example laser light, or else by means of other types of radiation. The exposure to radiation may substantially provide the heat required for evaporation, and it is also possible to introduce the radiation in a targeted manner into certain bands of the compounds or precursors or compound complexes to be evaporated, such as charge transfer complexes, in order to facilitate the evaporation of the compounds by dissociating the complexes for example by transferring them into excited states. However, the complex may in particular also be sufficiently stable to be evaporated without dissociation or to be applied to the substrate under the given conditions. It will be understood that other suitable methods can also be used to carry out the doping.

In this way, according to the invention, n-doped layers of organic semiconductors can thus be produced which can be used in many ways.

DOPING USE EXAMPLES

A radical according to the invention or the oligomer, preferably dimer, thereof and diradicals or dispiro compounds and tricycles thereof are provided.

EXAMPLE I

The neutral dimer bis-[1,3-diethyl-2-methyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)] was used together with the matrix material zinc phthalocyanine ZnPc. Doped layers with a doping ratio dopant:matrix material of 1:20 were produced by mixed vapour deposition of matrix and dopant with ZnPc as matrix material. The conductivity here is 3×10⁻⁴ S/cm.

EXAMPLE II

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)] and ZnPc was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 10⁻³ S/cm.

EXAMPLE III

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)] and ZnTTP was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 10⁻⁸ S/cm.

EXAMPLE IV

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-ethyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)] and ZnPc was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 10⁻⁴ S/cm.

EXAMPLE V

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-N-pyrrolidyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)] and ZnTPP was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 10⁻⁴ S/cm.

EXAMPLE VI

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydrobenzimidazolyl-(2)] and zinc octaethylporphyrin ZnOEP was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 5×10⁻⁸ S/cm.

EXAMPLE VII

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of 2-isopropyl-1,3-dimethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-5,8-dioxa-1,3-diazacyclopenta[b]naphthene and ZnTPP was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 1.8×10⁻⁴ S/cm.

EXAMPLE VIII

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of 2-isopropyl-1,3-dimethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-5,8-dioxa-1,3-diazacyclopenta[b]naphthene and ZnOEP was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 5×10⁻⁸ S/cm.

EXAMPLE IX

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of 2-isopropyl-1,3-dimethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-5,8-dioxa-1,3-diazacyclopenta[b]naphthene and ZnPc was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 2.2×10⁻⁸ S/cm.

EXAMPLE X

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl-1,2-dihydroimidazolyl-(2)] and ZnPc was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 10⁻³ S/cm.

EXAMPLE XI

In a manner analogous to Example I, mixed vapour deposition of bis-[1,3-diethyl-2-methyl-1,2-dihydrobenzthiazolyl-(2)] and ZnPc was carried out in the ratio as given in example I. The resulting conductivity was 3.8×10⁻⁷ S/cm.

The features of the invention which are disclosed in the above description and in the claims may be essential both individually and in an combination with one another for an implementation of the invention in its various embodiments. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A heterocyclic compound, or a dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof, having a structure according to one of the following formulae:

wherein at least one of A₁ and A₂ are present; and A₁ and A₂, independently, are cyclic linkages that form a ring system selected from the group consisting of, substituted or unsubstituted, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, and polycyclic ring systems; and wherein T is selected from CR₂₂, CR₂₂R₂₃, N, NR₂₁, O, or S; or

wherein structure 7 has one or more bridge bonds Z, Z₁, and Z₂, and wherein Z, Z₁ and Z₂ are independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, sililyl, alkylsililyl, diazo, disulphide, heterocycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, piperazinyl, dialkyl ether, polyether, primary alkylamine, arylamine, polyamine, aryl, or heteroaryl; wherein X and Y are independently selected from O, S, N, NR₂₁, P, or PR₂₁; wherein R₁₋₂ and R₂₁₋₂₃ are independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, diarylamine, diheteroarylamine, dialkylamine, heteroarylalkylamine, arylalkylamine, H, F, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, trialkylsilyl, triarylsilyl, halogen, styryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, sililyl, trialkylsilylalkynyl, (hetero)aliphatic ring system, or (hetero)aromatic ring system, wherein the (hetero)aliphatic or (hetero)aromatic ring system comprises one or more of R₁₋₂ and R₂₁₋₂₃.
 2. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein A₁ and A₂ are independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring systems.
 3. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 2, wherein the aromatic or heteroaromatic ring systems are independently selected from benzo, naphtho, thiophene, furan, thiazole, imidazole, oxazole, thiadiazole, pyrazine, thiopyran, dithiine, phthalic acid imide, or dithiazole radicals.
 4. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the benzo, naphtho, thiophene, furan, thiazole, imidazole, oxazole, thiadiazole, pyrazine, thiopyran, dithiine, phthalic acid imide, or dithiazole radicals are substituted with one or more substituents selected from R₁₋₂ and R₂₁₋₂₃.
 5. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein Z, Z₁, and Z₂ are selected from piperazinyl, alkyl, or cycloalkyl.
 6. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1 having one of the following structures:

wherein X₁ and Y₁ are independently selected from N or P, and wherein R₃₋₁₈ are independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, diarylamine, diheteroarylamine, dialkylamine, heteroarylalkylamine, arylalkylamine, H, F, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, trialkylsilyl, triarylsilyl, halogen, styryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, sililyl, trialkylsilylalkynyl, (hetero)aliphatic ring system, or (hetero)aromatic ring system, wherein the (hetero)aliphatic or (hetero)aromatic ring system comprises one or more of R₃₋₁₈ and R₂₁₋₂₃.
 7. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein R₁₋₂ and R₂₁₋₂₃ are individually selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthranyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, piperidyl, pyrrolidyl, morpholyl, or thiomorpholyl.
 8. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein R₁₋₂ and R₂₁₋₂₃ are independently selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, dialkylamine, diarylamine, alkoxy, aryloxy, thioaryl, thioalkoxy, or perfluoroalkyl.
 9. The heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein the polycycle is a tricycle.
 10. An electronic or optoelectronic component comprising the heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein the heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof is a dopant for doping an organic semiconductive matrix material, a blocking layer, a charge injection layer, an electrode material, a memory material, or a semiconductor layer itself in the electronic and optoelectronic component.
 11. An organic semiconductive material comprising at least one organic matrix material and the heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof according to claim 1, wherein the heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof is a dopant.
 12. The organic semiconductive material according to claim 11, wherein the molar doping ratio of dopant to matrix molecule or the doping ratio of dopant to monomeric units of a polymeric matrix molecule is between 1:1 and 1:100,000.
 13. An electronic or optoelectronic component comprising an electronically functionally active area, wherein the electronically active area comprises a heterocyclic compound, or a dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof, having a structure according to one of the following formulae:

wherein at least one of A₁ and A₂ are present; and A₁ and A₂, independently, are cyclic linkages that form a ring system selected from the group consisting of, substituted or unsubstituted, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, and polycyclic ring systems; and wherein T is selected from CR₂₂, CR₂₂R₂₃, N, NR₂₁, O, or S; or

wherein structure 7 has one or more bridge bonds Z, Z₁, and Z₂, and wherein Z, Z₁ and Z₂ are independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, sililyl, alkylsililyl, diazo, disulphide, heterocycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, piperazinyl, dialkyl ether, polyether, primary alkylamine, arylamine, polyamine, aryl, or heteroaryl; wherein X and Y are independently selected from O, S, N, NR₂₁, P, or PR₂₁; wherein R₁₋₂ and R₂₁ are independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, diarylamine, diheteroarylamine, dialkylamine, heteroarylalkylamine, arylalkylamine, H, F, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, trialkylsilyl, triarylsilyl, halogen, styryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, sililyl, trialkylsilylalkynyl, (hetero)aliphatic ring system, or (hetero)aromatic ring system, wherein the (hetero)aliphatic or (hetero)aromatic ring system comprises one or more of R₁₋₂ and R₂₁₋₂₃.
 14. The electronic or optoelectronic component according to claim 13, wherein the electronically active area comprises an organic semiconductive matrix material and a dopant, wherein the dopant modifies the electronic properties of the semiconductive matrix material, and the dopant comprises the heterocyclic compound, or the dimer, oligomer, polymer, dispiro compound, or polycycle thereof.
 15. The electronic or optoelectronic component according to claim 13, wherein the electronic or optoelectronic component is an organic light-emitting diode, a photovoltaic cell, an organic solar cell, an organic diode, an organic field effect transistor, or a photoinitiated and magnetic memory. 